Gallery offers four new art classes

As the school term begins the National Gallery will add a splash of colour to the available continuing education curriculum, quite literally.

Four new art classes have been added to schedule.

Instructor Sarah Sessions is returning with an introductory course in a fine art form known as block printing. This ancient technique combines aspects of drawing, sculpture & colour application in a relaxed studio atmosphere. Students will take a deeper look into methods of relief printing and etchings. Even if these words don’t ring a bell, don’t let that discourage, the class is open to all skill levels, even those who have never taken any art classes before, states a Gallery press release.

Pauline Ronald will host two courses: Introduction to Oil Painting and Introduction to Portraiture in which students will learn to mix colours and explore the different techniques and styles that are unique these mediums. Pauline brings with her a vast educational background as a former art teacher and Head of the Art Department at Richmond High School and adjunct professor of Indiana University, US. Pauline believes that individuality and originality are the grounds for all creativeness and she hopes, as one participant said, to ‘take your ideas from your head and make them real’.

Popular photographer Jennifer Newton is the newest instructor to join the creative team and she is excited to be teaching students the basics of photography. Students will study the camera, lens, film, exposure, developing the lighting and learn special techniques.

The National Gallery believes that participating in the creative processes is crucial to our well-being as when we focus our minds on a creative endeavour; there is a calming influence which helps to develop a sense of confidence and contentment in our lives as well as enjoying the satisfaction gained from learning a new skill.

All courses begin the week of 24 January. To register call Nickola at the Gallery at +1 345 945 8111. For further information about these courses please contact the Gallery or the instructor’s directly: Sarah Sessions at +1 345 947 6420; Jennifer Newton at +1 345 916 0819 and Pauline Ronald at +1 345 945 0565.

Students will be introduced to relief printmaking methods and become familiar with various materials. Ink and Watercolour Monoprints, Collographs, Introduction to registration techniques and Lino Prints will be explored. Students will be working at the end of the class on a table mounted Etching Press. There will be a mid-semester and a final critique. This is an introductory course and is for beginners. Materials for this class will cost approximately CI$50. Ms Sessions is originally from Montgomery, Alabama and holds a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts from Auburn University in Alabama. She has worked with the National Gallery for many years as an art instructor for classes and outreach sessions, and is a member of the Native Done Artists Cooperative.

Students will be learning the basics of photography: Camera, Lens, Film, Exposure, Developing the Negative, Printing, Lighting, Special Techniques and how to See Like a Camera. Students will have to bring their own camera (not digital) that can be operated manually. (not all automatic). There will be an occasional Sunday planned for shooting assignments as a group.

Ms Newton is a professional Caymanian photographer with many years experience. She owns the Spotted Dog Photography Studio, and is a member of the Native Done Artists Cooperative.

Introduction to oil painting

Instructor: Pauline Ronald Tel# +1 345 945 0565

Venue/Course dates and times on registration form

Students will learn to mix colours and we will explore the different techniques and styles that are unique to the medium. Pauline Ronald has a vast Educational background as a former art teacher and Head of the Art Department at Richmond High School and adjunct professor of Indiana University, both in the US. Pauline believes that individuality and originality is the grounds for all creativenesses. Individuals of these programme soon learn that creative ideas are the backbone of each of Pauline’s classes, she will as one participant said ‘take your ideas from your head and make them real’. Pauline also instructs one of the Gallery’s outreach programmes.

Introduction to portraiture

Instructor: Pauline Ronald Tel# +1 345 945 0565

Venue/Course dates and times on registration form

This class will primarily focus on the artist’s investigations and observations when drawing and painting people in the fine art context. In this class we will also be discussing and discovering the differences between types of ‘fine art’ portraiture. Students will learn to mix colours and we will explore the different techniques and styles.